Jakob's Law: Designing for User Expectations

Have you ever visited a website and struggled to find what you were looking for? It can be frustrating when a website is hard to use. But did you know that there is a principle in design that can make websites more user-friendly? It's called Jakob's Law, and it's all about making websites work the same way as other sites people are already familiar with. Let's explore this principle and see how it can make your online experiences smoother and more enjoyable.

What is Jakob's Law?

Jakob's law is a principle in user experience design that says people prefer websites to work the same way as other sites they already know. It is about familiarity. People (the users) process information better when a digital product or service provides a lower cognitive load. The less mental energy users spend learning an interface, the more likely they will achieve their objective. When a website follows these patterns, it's easier for people to use them.

"Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means that users prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know."

Why is Jakob's Law crucial?

Designing a website that follows Jakob's Law is crucial because it makes your site more intuitive and user-friendly. If people have to spend time figuring out how to use a website, they may become frustrated and give up. But if a website is easy to use, people will stay on it longer and achieve their goals.

How can you apply Jakob's Law to your website?

If you're building a website, there are a few ways you can apply Jakob's Law to make it more user-friendly:

1. Follow established design patterns: Look at other websites in your industry and see how they were designed. Follow similar styles and conventions to make your website feel familiar.
2. Use clear language: Make sure your website uses language that is easy to understand. Avoid technical jargon or complex words that people may not be familiar with.
3. Make it easy to navigate: Ensure your website is easy to navigate by logically organizing the content. Use menus and headings to help people find what they're looking for faster.
4. Use familiar icons: It can help people understand what they're supposed to do on a website. Try to use icons that people are already familiar with them.

By applying these tips, you can make your website more user-friendly and improve the experience for your visitors.

Jakob's Law Examples

Let's take a look at an example, Web browsers Google and DuckDuckGO follow Jakob's law. In both, the search bar is the first thing users see. Google and DuckDuckGo have different purposes, but the interface is familiar.

Why User-Friendly Websites Matter

User-friendly websites are important because they improve user experience, increase engagement, and drive business results. If your website is hard to use, people may leave and never visit again. But, if your website is easy to use, people will stay, engage with your content, and ultimately become customers.

In conclusion, Jakob's Law is a valuable principle in website design that can help make your website more user-friendly. By using clear language, making it easy to navigate, following established design patterns, and using familiar icons and symbols, you can create a website that people will enjoy using. Remember, user-friendly websites are key to driving business success.